{Tuesday's Tip} 20 Ideas to Keep Kids Happy While You Cook

Sometimes dinner time can be a little CRAZY!  When the kids are hungry, screaming, whining and needing attention while you are hurrying around the kitchen getting dinner on the table...it is easy to feel more than a little frazzled by the time you finally sit down for dinner.

Now, your house may not be this extreme or feel this chaotic everyday.  But still, wouldn't it be nice to have your dinner prep time go more smoothly?  It can help if you have a specific dinner routine set-up for your family.  That's what we've tried to implement at our house and it has helped a lot.  The kids are kept busy so that you can focus on dinner.

These are all idea's to keep your hands free to make dinner, but still be engaged with your family to have an enjoyable evening together.

{20 Ideas to keep kids happy while you cook}

1.  Play with play dough (use a place mat for easy clean up)
2.  Make a customized napkin by drawing a picture with crayons, pens, etc.

3.  Let your kids help you cook
4.  Let your kids set the table
 

5.  Build with toothpicks and marshmallows

6.  Give your kids a job or chore in another room

7. Turn on music and have your kids dance until you say FREEZE!

8.  Have your kids read a book to you.
 

9.  Have everyone dress up in apron's while they help in the kitchen.
10.  Let your kids play with some water at the kitchen sink.

11.  Listen to a book on Tape or CD

12.  Hide a small object in the kitchen.  To help them find it say "Hot" if they are getting closer to the object or "Cold" if they are going farther away.
 

13.  Play card games, like War
14.  Have a race and see who can clean up their room the fastest.(or any small chore you need done)
15.  Play Simon Says

16. Make a mosaic by ripping and gluing paper
 

17.  Practice spelling words with magnetic letters on your fridge.

18.  Play 20 questions 

19.  Memorize a poem or scripture verse together

20.  Spend time doing homework

These ideas may sound simple, and that's exactly the point.  You don't want anything too elaborate or messy while your hands are tied.  But your dinner prep time will likely run a lot smoother if you already have an action plan in mind.